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Sunday, July 4, 2010

When I asked the question what is American cuisine many people racked their brain to come up with their own interpretations of American cuisine. Some drew inspiration from the Native Americans and others from their own family histories, rich with varied cultural influences. In honor of America's Independence Day, it is my pleasure to share with you this thought provoking round-up...

Happy 4th of July to all the Americans out there! When I proposed the challenge for America Day, I didn't really have any idea what to make. My mind wandered around the possibilities, but most things ultimately originated from somewhere else. about 10 foods only America could have invented and that is when I knew I wanted to make S'mores.

When I thought I was going back to the States this spring, I asked my American friend Drini (check out her Facebook page), if there was anything she wanted for me to bring back for her and she gushed about Jet Puffed Marshmallows! I too have asked my Mom to stuff a couple of bags into her suitcase, particularly around Thanksgiving, because, well, candied sweet potatoes and hot chocolate with marshmallows are top notch!

As part of my recipe for S'mores I needed to make Graham crackers, which besides snacking, pie crusts and S'mores have no other culinary purpose. I had attempted to make them once before using a recipe from 101 Cookbooks, which could have turned out better, so this time I opted for an Alton Brown recipe. He is one of my favorite TV food personalities, because I love his use of science to dissect a recipe and demystifying the "magic" that happens in the kitchen.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Brown sugar... how come you taste so good (I am singing to the Beth Orton version; in my head) As I was rummaging through my pantry yesterday, I ran into a little bit of a dilemma. I could not find dark brown sugar, there wasn't any the three grocery stores in Kyustendil and I didn't have time to swing (50 ml/ 90 km) to Sofia to pick some up. I knew that you could make it at home, but I hadn't attempted it before.